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OPINION

Attaboys and Oh Boys for October 14

Each week The Clarion-Ledger hands out “attaboys” (and girls) to those who have made a positive difference or great stride over the past week. We also hand out “oh boys!” to those who have caused facepalms with their actions or statements.(Photo: The Clarion-Ledger)

To the recently announced Teen Wellness Clinic, a partnership between the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the University of Mississippi School of Nursing and Jackson Public Schools. The new clinic will not only offer primary medical care to students but also address adapting a healthier lifestyle for some 800 students at Lanier High School. The clinic's focus on healthier lifestyles is a welcome component, and the partnership between the organizations demonstrates what Mississippi can achieve as long as we all work together.

Oh Boy!

To the state agencies and school districts that are making their employees pay higher costs for sometimes inferior supplemental insurance policies. No state law exists to require a statewide contract with one insurance agency for the various government organizations, a way to possibly obtain better coverage or prices, also showing the state Legislature needs to address the issue. While taxpayers generally don't foot the bill for state employees' supplemental coverage, agency directors and school leaders owe it to their employees to offer the best options and the best price.

Attaboy

To the good Samaritans who called authorities after spotting an officer loitering near their homes. That officer was Radar, the K9 who had been missing for 17 days following a vehicle accident with his best friend, Deputy Darryl Russell. When Russell became coherent after the accident, he only thought of his friend. Despite searches, bringing in bloodhounds across the state — and even Radar's brothers and sisters, the chance for a reunion looked dimmer each day. Now, thanks to those phone calls, Radar is back home with his family. And we all need stories like this.

Oh Boy

To the staggering lack of broadband access for Mississippians, where 40 percent of the population is estimated to be in areas where high-speed internet service can't reach. Progress is being made to expand broadband to rural areas, and that's an amazing move that should be applauded. But in 2015, Mississippi residents shouldn't lack access to what a majority of the country believes to be as standard as running water. It's not about accessing Netflix. It's about connecting schools, students and businesses with the rest of the state and nation. We need to do better.